Infusion bag

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to an infusion bag for tea or the like comprising a porous-walled container having a strip of non-porous sheet material secured thereto and folded about the container along a line spaced from the top edge of the container thereby defining a portion projecting therefrom as a handle. The strip further includes side portions extending from the fold line on opposite sides of the container which may be folded back upon themselves along a line parallel to the fold line and secured together by complementary interengaging means. The interengaging means may include a cut formed in at least one of the side portions, or a tab cut out of one of the side portions.

United States Patent 1 Rambold 1 INFUSION BAG Adolf Rambold, Bachstrasse8, D-4005 Meerbusch 1, Germany 22 Filed: July 26,1973

2| Appl. No.: 383,039

[76] Inventor:

Irmscher 426/79 1 1 July 15, 1975 Primary ExaminerFrank W. LutterAssistant Examiner-Steven L. Weinstein Attorney, Agent, or FirmWigman &Cohen [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure relates to an infusion bag for teaor the like comprising a porous-walled container having a strip ofnon-porous sheet material secured thereto and folded about the containeralong a line spaced from the top edge of the container thereby defininga portion projecting therefrom as a handle. The strip further includesside portions extending from the fold line on opposite sides of thecontainer which may be folded back upon themselves along a line parallelto the fold line and secured together by complementary interengagingmeans. The interengaging means may include a cut formed in at least oneof the side portions, or a tab cut out of one of the side portions.

14 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures INFUSION BAG The invention relates to aninfusion bag with at least one chamber, containing in particular tea,the head of which is reinforced by a flexible strip which forms two sidepieces which are folded together, and are attached to and hold betweenthem the head of the bag.

A single chamber infusion bag of this type having a relatively stiff butplastically deformable flexible strip which consists, for example, ofmetal foil or syn thetic material and which is inert with respect to thecontents of the bag and the liquid used for the infusion, is alreadyknown from US. Pat. No. 2,192,605. The strip which can be used as alabel, holder, or suspension means is connected to the bag in that itstwo side pieces are knurled on the top of the bag. The arrangement issuch that the line of the fold of the strip is immediately alongside theend edge of the bag head. It is only with difficulty that the infusionbag can be held by the relatively narrow knurled end. It is thereforeenvisaged that the projecting free portions of the two side pieces ofthe strip be set back by a fold line parallel with the fold line of thestrip on the associated fixed portion of the relevant side piece and belaid one on the other so that the infusion bag is held by the raisedside pieces of the strip and can be immersed into a glass or a cup atleast as far as the top of the bag. It is, however, a disadvantage ofthe known infusion bag that when the two side pieces drop down onto thebag and when the bag, following the infusion, is squeezed out by meansof the two side pieces, by two fingers of one hand being passed down theside pieces, the hot upper end of the infusion bag has to be heldsecurely so that the fingers of the hand holding the bag must inevitablybecome wet with hot liquid containing extract. Ladies in particular willtherefore have difficulties in using the known infusion bag and willhave a negative attitude toward it.

The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing an easilymanufactured infusion bag which can be conveniently held in all stagesof its use, the manner in which it is to be used being evident from thefirst glance.

On a basis of an infusion bag of the type mentioned at the outset, theproblem is, according to the invention, resolved in that the scribedline of the strip is disposed at an interval from the folded edge of thebag top, the projecting portion forming a handle.

The projecting part will be immediately recognized by anyone who takeshold of the infusion bag according to the invention. Also, its functionrequires no explanation since it is obvious. Anyone is now in aposition, particularly when squeezing out the bag, which is gladlyundertaken in order to obtain still further extract, to hold theinfusion bag in such a way that squeezing out not only proceedscomfortably but also the fingers remain clean and cool. The gap betweenthe fold line of the strip and the creased edge or, in the absence ofsuch an edge, the end edge of the bag top can be of any desired size,preferably amounting to approximately mm so that a handle of the samesize is provided by the projecting portion. Since under normalcircumstances the top of the bag will at most reach to the edge of theglass or cup, the amount of projection is expediently such that thehandle projects clearly above the rim of the glass or cup, facilitatingusage and making it more pleasant.

A further advantage of the fusion bag according to the invention residesin the fact that, without risk of damaging the bag top and of losing bagcontents, cuts may be made into the projecting portion which forms thehandle, the cuts serving, in preferred forms of embodiment of theinfusion bag according to the invention, to secure the position of atleast one of the two side pieces of the strip if the strip isadvantageously made from an elastically pliant material, for examplepaper, and does not therefore remain ofitself in any defined position.

If, as in the case of the preferred form of the embodiment of theinfusion bag according to the invention, the strip extends in the regionof the bag top substantially over its entire width, then the bag top maybe advanta geously formed by making a single fold in the edge formingthe aperture of the bag. This obviates the triple folds (one at the top,two in the corners) known in the case of double-chamber infusion bagswhich have no strip, the folds rendering manufacture expensive byrequiring a greater quantity of materials and additional operations.

The invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter withreference to three forms of embodiment of infusion bag according to theinvention, shown in the attached drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIGS. I and 2 are perspective views ofa first embodiment viewed from twodifferent directions;

FIG 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment in a cup duringinfusion;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a second form of embodimentviewed from different directions;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second form of embodiment in a glassduring infusion;

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the second form of embodiment which isjust being withdrawn from the glass following infusion;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are plan views of a third form of embodiment viewed fromtwo opposite directions; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third form of embodiment in a glassduring infusion.

Since the different forms of embodiment differ only in the design of thestrip but not in the actual bag, this latter will be described first.The bag is a double chamber bag made from a fleece-like paper,resembling filter paper and similar to Japanese paper, which is formedinto a tube, its ends being laid on one another, the edges forming thetwo openings of the bags being folded jointly to form the head or top ofthe bag.

The first form of embodiment according to FIGS. 1-3 is provided with arectangular strip 20, the length of which many times exceeds its width,and which is folded in the center along a fold line 22 so that equallylong side pieces 24 and 26 are formed which so enclose the actual bag 28between them that the head 30 of the bag is at a fixed interval from thefold line 22. The projecting portion constitutes a handle 31 by whichthe bag 30 can be conveniently held. The bag 28 is connected to thestrip 20 by a single non-rusting clip 32 made, for example, fromaluminum which penetrates first the side piece 24, then the head 30 ofthe bag, and finally the side piece 26, on the outside of which it isclosed. The two side pieces 24 and 26 are, in the region of their freeends, each provided with an inwardly directed cut 42, 44 extendingparallel with the transverse edge 34, 36 from their left-handlongitudinal edge 38, 40 and extending approximately as far as themiddle line of the strip 20. When tea is to be made, the two side pieces24 and 26 are folded upwards directly beneath the clip 32, about foldlines which are not defined in greater detail, and are connected to eachother by the cuts 42 and 44 being brought into alignment. The two sidepieces then pass one through the other and hold themselves mutuallyfirm. This is shown in H0. 3, from which it can be seen that now onlythe actual bag 28 is immersed into a cup 46 and into the liquidcontained therein. After infusion, the two side pieces 24 and 26 areseparated from each other again and are swung downwardly until thecondition shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is restored. After the bag 28 has beensqueezed out, it is set aside with the strip 20.

The second form of embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6 is particularlysuitable for glasses but it can however also be used in cups. Placedaround a double chamber bag 128 are the two equally long side pieces 124and 126 of a long narrow strip 120 which is folded in the middle about afold line 122 parallel with its transverse edges 134 and 136. Arectangular tab 150 attached to the side piece 124 along a connectingline 148 which is parallel with the fold line 122 and pointing towardsthe head 130 of the bag is cut out of the side piece 124. The distancebetween the connecting line 148 on one of the two side pieces 124 and126 and the clip 132 made, for example. from stainless steel andconnecting the two side pieces 124 and 126 to the top of the bag issomewhat greater than the distance between the clip 132 and the foldline 122 which creates a handle 131 so that when the side piece 124 israised, as is indicated by broken lines in FIG. 5, the tab 150 canengage over the fold line 122 and bear on the side piece 126. Thus, theposition of the side piece 124 can be secured while the bag 128 isimmersed into the liquid present in the glass 152. So that the bag 128can be immersed to an adequate distance into the glass 152, arectangular tab 156 attached to the head 130 of the bag and connected tothe side piece along a connecting line 154 parallel with its transverseedge 136 and pointing towards the free end of the side piece 126 is cutout of the other side piece 126 which is not raised. Thus, it ispossible to immerse the bag 128 sufficiently far into the glass 152until its edge 158 which engages between the side piece 126 on the onehand and tab 156 as well as the bag 128 on the other, is at theconnecting line 154. Instead of the rectangularly formed tab 156, atriangular tab could be provided, its base extending over almost theentire width of the bag head and having an obtuse angle at its apex.Such a tab improves the bag head closure and facilitates introduction ofa glass or cup rim between bag and side piece from which the tab is cut.

FIG. 6 shows both the securing of the bag 128 on the glass 152 and alsothe securing of the position of the side piece 124 in the raisedcondition. After infusion, the bag 128 is lifted out of the glass 152 bythe side piece 124, two fingers on one hand gripping the handle 131whereupon both side pieces are placed over the bag which is squeezed outover the glass, as is shown in an intermediate state in FIG, 6a.

The third form of embodiment shown in FIGS. 7--9 represents a kind ofcombination of the first two forms of embodiment. A strip 220corresponding in its basic form to the strip 20 and 120 is likewiseconstructed with identical side pieces. Both side pieces 224 and 226are, in the region of the handle 231 formed by the strip 220, providedwith rectangular tabs 260, 262 which extend to a point close to bothlongitudinal edges 238 and 264 or 240 and 266 and to a point close tothe fold line 222 of the strip 220, their outline being pre-stamped outas far as the connecting lines 253 and 254. The tabs 260 and 262 arejointly attached to the bag head 230 by a clip 232. The side piece 224is provided at its free end with an inwardly directed cut 268 extendingfrom the side edge 238 and parallel with its transverse edge 234, thecut extending approximately as far as the middle between thelongitudinal edges 238 and 264. If the bag 228 is to be infused, forexample, in a glass 252, then as shown in FIG. 9, the two side pieces224 and 226 are folded upwardly about the connecting line 253, 254. Theside pieces are connected simply in that the side piece 226 isintroduced into the slit 268 in the side piece 224, its longitudinaledge 240 leading. According to the height of the glass 252, the twosides pieces will project upwardly or hang down over the outside of theglass. After infusion, the side pieces are separated from each otheragain and are placed against the bag 228 again so that this may besqueezed. This third form of embodiment is entirely suitable for cups oreven for pots. In the last-mentioned case, the material of the strip 220should be as soft as possible to allow a pot lid to be used.

The strips for the various forms of embodiment are expediently made inone piece from water-repellant material, for example, impregnated paperor paper lined at least on one side with a synthetic plastic film.Particularly in the last-mentioned case, the strip may be welded on thehead of the bag so that a fixing clip becomes unnecessary.

At all places which are subjected to considerable flexing, scribed linesmay be provided to facilitate folding unless a pre-stamped scribed lineis already provided.

As will be readily obvious, individual features of the forms ofembodiment may be interchanged with or supplemented by features of otherforms of embodiment.

It is claimed:

1. An infusion bag containing an infusible substance comprising aporous-walled container for the infusible substance, said containerincluding an elongated head portion having a top edge, a strip offlexible non-porous sheet material secured to said head portion andfolded about said container along a line spaced from said top edgedefining a portion projecting therefrom as a handle, said stripincluding side portions extending from said line on opposite sides ofsaid container, at least one of said side portions extending over theentire length of said bag, and means formed in at least one of said sideportions adapted to interengage with the other one of said side portionsfor securing said at least one of said side portions to the said otherone of said side portions when folded back upon itself along a lineparallel to said line.

2. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that one of saidside portions includes a tab pointing towards the head portion andconnected to said side portion along a connecting line, the distancebetween the connecting line and the point of attachment of the sideportion to the head portion being at least as great as the distancebetween this attachment point and said fold line.

3. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the stripside portions are attached to the head portion at oppositely disposedplaces by means of a single non-rusting fixing clip.

4. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip iswelded on the head portion.

5. Infusion bag according to claim 1, in which in the region of the headportion the strip extends substantially over its entire width,characterized in that the head portion is created by a single folding ofthe edge forming the container opening.

6. An infusion bag as defined in claim 1, comprising complementary meansformed in each of said side portions adapted to interengage with eachother for securing said side portions together when folded back uponthemselves along lines parallel to said line.

7. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that a tabattached to the head portion and connected to at least one of the sideportions along a connecting line is cut from and points to the free endthereof.

8. Infusion bag according to claim 7, characterized in that said tab isconstructed on each side portion which extends to a point close to bothlongitudinal edges of the respective side portion.

9. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip ismade from an elastically flexible material and in that saidinterengaging means includes at least one inwardly directed cut formedin at least one of said side portions.

10. Infusion bag according to claim 9, each of said side portionsincluding two parallel longitudinal edges and a transverse edge spacedfrom said top edge, characterized in that said out is provided in atleast one of the side portions and extending parallel with thetransverse edge from one of the two longitudinal edges.

11. Infusion bag according to claim 10, characterized in that the otherside portion is provided with a complementary cut.

l2. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that said sheetis made in one piece from waterrepellant material.

13. Infusion bag according to claim 12, characterized in thatimpregnated paper is provided as the sheet material.

l4. Infusion bag according to claim 12, characterized in that paperlined at least on one side with a synthetic plastic film is provided asthe sheet material.

f li

1. AN INFUSION BAG CONTAINING AN INFUSIBLE SUBSTANCE COMPRISING APOROUS-WALLED CONTAINER FOR THE INFUSIBLE SUBSTANCE, SAID CONTAINERINCLUDING AN ELONGATED HEAD PORTION HAVING A TOP EDGE, A STRIP OFFLEXIBLE NON-POROUS SHEET MATERIAL SECURED TO SAID HEAD PORTION SAIDCONTAINER ALOMG A LINE SPACED FROM SAID TOP EDGE DEFINING A PORTIONPROJECTING THEREFROM AS A HANDLE, SAID STRIP INCLUDING SIDE PORTIONSEXTENDING FROM SAID LINE ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID CONTAINER, AT LEASTONE OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS EXTENDING OVER THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF SAID BAG,AND MEANS FORMED IN AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS ADAPTED TOINTERENGAGE WITH THE OTHER ONE OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS FORSECURING SAID ATLEAST ONE OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS TO THE SAID OTHER ONE OF SAID SIDEPORTIONS WHEN FOLDED BACK UPON ITSELF ALONG A LINE PARALLEL TO 2.Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that one of saidside portions includes a tab pointing towards the head portion andconnected to said side portion along a connecting line, the distancebetween the connecting line and the point of attachment of the sideportion to the head portion being at least as great as the distancebetween this attachment point and said fold line.
 3. Infusion bagaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the strip side portions areattached to the head portion at oppositely disposed places by means of asingle non-rusting fixing clip.
 4. Infusion bag according to claim 1,characterized in that the strip is welded on the head portion. 5.Infusion bag according to claim 1, in which in the region of the headportion the strip extends substantially over its entire width,characterized in that the head portion is created by a single folding ofthe edge forming the container opening.
 6. An infusion bag as defined inclaim 1, comprising complementary means formed in each of said sideportions adapted to interengage with each other for securing said sideportions togeTher when folded back upon themselves along lines parallelto said line.
 7. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized inthat a tab attached to the head portion and connected to at least one ofthe side portions along a connecting line is cut from and points to thefree end thereof.
 8. Infusion bag according to claim 7, characterized inthat said tab is constructed on each side portion which extends to apoint close to both longitudinal edges of the respective side portion.9. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip ismade from an elastically flexible material and in that saidinterengaging means includes at least one inwardly directed cut formedin at least one of said side portions.
 10. Infusion bag according toclaim 9, each of said side portions including two parallel longitudinaledges and a transverse edge spaced from said top edge, characterized inthat said cut is provided in at least one of the side portions andextending parallel with the transverse edge from one of the twolongitudinal edges.
 11. Infusion bag according to claim 10,characterized in that the other side portion is provided with acomplementary cut.
 12. Infusion bag according to claim 1, characterizedin that said sheet is made in one piece from water-repellant material.13. Infusion bag according to claim 12, characterized in thatimpregnated paper is provided as the sheet material.
 14. Infusion bagaccording to claim 12, characterized in that paper lined at least on oneside with a synthetic plastic film is provided as the sheet material.